Health and Personal Care Retail

Matsumotokiyoshi Holdings Co., Ltd.

7500

3088

As of March 31, the total assets of the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) market fell by 5.9% due to the impact of the US-Iran conflict, decreasing to HKD 1.53 trillion, a monthly reduction of nearly HKD 96 billion. Members' risk aversion sentiment surged, with net outflows of approximately HKD 4.48 billion from equity fund categories, with the most significant outflows from Hong Kong and Greater China equity funds. Fixed income funds saw net inflows of HKD 5.68 billion, primarily flowing into conservative funds and guaranteed funds. Notably, Japanese equity funds were the only equity funds to record net inflows, achieving net inflows for three consecutive months

AASTOCKS

Nishikawa Keisoku Co., Ltd.

GUM: In March, the total assets of the Mandatory Provident Fund fell by nearly HKD 96 billion, while members increased their holdings in Japanese stock funds amid the turmoil

3097

1369

3175

3067

1329

3423

The Bank of Japan, led by Governor Kazuo Ueda, is closely monitoring yen fluctuations due to their impact on the economy and prices. With the yen weakening past 160 against the dollar, Ueda indicated that rising import costs could lead to interest rate hikes. He emphasized that while the BOJ does not directly control exchange rates, currency movements significantly influence economic conditions. The BOJ maintained its short-term rate at 0.75% but hinted at a tighter monetary policy to combat inflation, especially with rising oil prices.

- Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda stated that the central bank will closely monitor yen fluctuations, as they impact the economy and prices.  
- This remark comes as the yen fell below 160 against the dollar, prompting threats of intervention from Japan's top currency diplomat.  
- Ueda indicated that rising import costs may justify interest rate hikes in the coming months to address inflation risks exacerbated by currency volatility.

Monogatari Corporation

Asset Management One Co., Ltd.

AP Holdings Co., Ltd.

Tokyo Ichiban Foods Co., Ltd.

BlackRock, Inc.

S E Corporation

Bank of Japan chief signals vigilance to yen moves, impact on economy

2627

1568

2641

1475

1473

1493

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi: It is crucial to extend the wage increase momentum to small and medium-sized enterprises

Wallstreetcn

Global X Japan Co., Ltd.

Simplex Financial Holdings Co., Ltd.

1306

As of the early market close, the Nikkei 225 index fell by 1.2%, and the Topix index dropped by 0.5%

Nomura Holdings, Inc.

Pro Ultrshrt Yen

3167

3023

3141

Japanese shares fell as the Nikkei 225 Index dropped 2% to around 57,500 due to escalating Middle East conflict, including military strikes by the US and Israel on Iran, which resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader. This raised concerns of a broader conflict and led to risk-off sentiment in financial markets. The decline also reflected losses on Wall Street, despite the Nikkei's strong performance in February, where it rose 10.4% amid global investor interest in Asian companies benefiting from AI infrastructure.

Trading Economics

Tokai Holdings Corporation

Rasa Corporation

Welcia Holdings Co., Ltd.

Yamami Co.

JFLA Holdings, Inc.

Yutaka Foods Corporation

ANAP Inc.

Kewpie Corporation

GENERATION PASS CO. LTD.

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.

Japanese Shares Fall on Middle East Conflict

1579

1360

Japan's seasonally adjusted current account for the end of December was 728.8 billion yen, expected to be 1,081.2 billion yen, and the previous value was 3,674.1 billion yen

Matsumotokiyoshi Holdings Co., Ltd.(3088.JP)

GUM: In March, the total assets of the Mandatory Provident Fund fell by nearly HKD 96 billion, while members increased their holdings in Japanese stock funds amid the turmoil

Bank of Japan chief signals vigilance to yen moves, impact on economy

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi: It is crucial to extend the wage increase momentum to small and medium-sized enterprises

As of the early market close, the Nikkei 225 index fell by 1.2%, and the Topix index dropped by 0.5%

Japanese Shares Fall on Middle East Conflict